Bobcats Pull Out a Win Over West Liberty

Frostburg State University’s second Division II win was hard-fought against the West Liberty Hilltoppers. The Bobcats moved to 2-1 in conference play with their second-straight victory.

Bobcat head coach Delane Fitzgerald ensured the FSU defense was physical with the Hilltopper offense. He also noted the maturity of the West Liberty defense, saying the Bobcat offense would have to be fundamentally sound and patient in setting up their attack.

The 1st half was stalled out by both teams. The defenses were stout, resulting in punts on the first 4 possessions of the game. The stalemate ended when the Bobcat offensive staff had graduate transfer quarterback Will Brunson run a read option, beating the linebacker to the pylon to give FSU the lead 7-0 to end the quarter.

With the ball at the start of the 2nd quarter, West Liberty knew they would have to deliver a blow right back. It was clear that West Liberty had a plan set during the quarter break as they opened the quarter with a drive that took less than 3 minutes, and only consisted of 4 plays as they drove the ball down the field to tie the game up at 7-7. Later in the 2nd quarter, Frostburg’s junior wide receiver Terrell Brown returned a West Liberty punt for 30 yards before catching a 17-yard throw for a touchdown to make the score 14-7 for the Bobcats. Two drives later, the Hilltoppers broke off an 85 yard rush for a score, once again tying up the game. Late in the quarter, Frostburg would get another chance to take the lead and did, cashing in on a 43-yard field goal from junior kicker Jeremy Harrison.

The start of 2nd half involved great play by FSU on both sides of the football. FSU’s defense forced 2 punts and shut out the Hilltoppers’ offense in the 3rd quarter. On the other side, both of the possessions the Bobcats had on offense resulted in scores. The first one coming by a 46-yard field goal, and the second one on a great catch and run by junior wide-receiver Christian Thornton. The Bobcats were comfortably ahead by 13 points. The 4th quarter arrived and the defense of FSU was sloppy to start and West Liberty took advantage. There was a roughing the kicker penalty called on FSU on a field goal attempt by West Liberty, so instead of taking 3 points, West liberty got 7 on a 5-yard pass play. A couple drives later, West Liberty got even closer to tying the game, scoring a 27-yard field goal closing the gap to 27-24 Bobcats. It would now be up to the Bobcats offense to finish this game out until the clock hit 00:00, which they did. Running the ball on 11 out of 12 plays, Frostburg secured their victory.

Brunson had passed for 184 yards and for 2 touchdowns. Leading in rushing was junior running back Gavin Lavat with 98 yards on the ground. The receiving leader was Thornton with 5 catches for 85 yards, and defensively, senior defensive back Michael Bell led with 9 tackles.

The Bobcats will travel to take on Fairmont State on Sept. 26th with kickoff set for 7 p.m.